Yahtzee HD

Price: $2.99
Grade Recommendation: 3rd - 12th
Subject: n/a
Specific Skill: Decision-Making
Levels: n/a
Players: 1 - 4
For iPad, iPod, or Both: Yahtzee HD for iPad, Yahtzee Adventures ($.99) for iPod Touch

Although technically just a 'game', I believe Yahtzee definitely has a place in the classroom. As a gifted program teacher, I often present my students with decision-making opportunities. This game, one that many of us know from childhood, does just that. On each turn, students have to decide what option to "go for". I found that many of them have never played Yahtzee before. Therefore, I had to write each choice on the board and explain what each meant - especially the small and large straights and full house.

When possible, I allow students to play against each other rather than playing against the 'computer'. This is one of the more pricier apps I'll recommend, but it's definitely worth having it available for kids to use.

The major difference between this app and the actual board game is that the 'computer' keeps score for the players! Also, there are no dice to lose! :)